By James Hinton and Renee Nadeau Algarin
The Boston Herald
ARLINGTON, Mass. — A heroic Arlington dad was in critical condition yesterday after jumping into a swimming pool to save his 10-year-old son.
Arlington police and fire departments responded to a 911 call for a possible drowning from the Old Colony Lane Apartments at 10:31 a.m. yesterday, said officer Sean Hetherman.
Haranadh Guraja, 39, who moved to the complex three months ago, was giving his son Saiyasaswi, 10, a tour of the building when the boy accidentally fell into the pool, according to Arlington Police Capt. Robert Bongiorno.
Guraja, knowing his son could not swim, instinctively jumped in to save him — although he also can’t swim, family and witnesses told police.
“A good Samaritan observed the boy and efforts were then undertaken to get the 10-year-old out and begin lifesaving measures,’' Bongiorno said. “It wasn’t until a minute or two after that that they saw the father about a foot under the water.’'
Saiyasaswi is listed in fair condition at Children’s Hospital Boston and is expected to make a full recovery, according to Bongiorno.
His father was transported in critical condition to Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, police say.
“The extraordinary rescue efforts made by neighbors, firefighters and police officers saved the boy’s life and will hopefully result in the same outcome for the dad,’' said Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan.
Copyright 2010 Boston Herald Inc.